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West Newsmagazine

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Roundup of local news and events in West Saint Louis County.

1d ago

Missouri Ballot Amendments Explained

“Wait, isn’t abortion already legal in Missouri?” If that question has crossed your mind while scanning the ballot, you’re not alone and the confusion is exactly what we tackle here. We sit down to translate Missouri’s statewide amendments and propositions into plain English, flag the gotchas, and admit where even informed voters can get tripped up by recycled amendment numbers and messy wording. We start with Missouri Amendment 3, the biggest lightning rod on the ballot. We walk through what a yes vote and a no vote actually mean, the proposed abortion restrictions and timelines, and why combining abortion policy with a constitutional ban on gender transition procedures for minors changes the entire political math. We also talk about how existing law like Senate Bill 49 fits into the picture, and why “informed consent” and parental or judicial consent language matters in real life. From there we dig into Missouri Amendment 6 and the initiative petition process. Would requiring an 80% vote in the Missouri House and Senate to overturn voter passed measures protect the will of voters, or create gridlock that blocks even basic fixes? We debate the rural vs urban tension behind statewide votes, then move through Amendment 7’s Show Me Prosperity Fund and the big unanswered question: where would the money come from? We also hit Amendment 8 on sheriffs, plus local politics including the Ann Wagner race and Proposition A’s redistricting fallout. If you want a clearer Missouri election guide before you vote, listen now, share it with one neighbor, and then tell us which ballot question feels most misleading. Subscribe, leave a review, and help more local voters find the show. West Newsmagazine Facebook | Instagram
5d ago

Who Should Pay For Growth In West County?

A developer changes course and suddenly a big question lands on everyone’s doorstep: what kind of housing does West County actually want? We talk through the downtown Chesterfield residential proposal that shifts from multifamily rentals to attached single family villas, why that pivot is happening now, and what it could mean for density, traffic, downsizing, and the broader single family housing shortage in the St. Louis region. Then we move from rooftops to roadways. St. Louis County’s idea to hand maintenance of certain county roads to municipalities sparks pushback from local mayors and leaders, and we unpack the real mechanics behind the headlines: snowplow routes, long term pavement plans, ADA requirements, and the “double dipping” fear that residents will keep paying county taxes while cities inherit new costs. We also explore the only way this works long term: clear responsibility paired with fair funding. Finally, we look ahead to the November 3 local election with two major ballot measures. Parkway School District’s Proposition P asks for a tax levy increase, and we weigh the case for protecting student programs against inflation fatigue, enrollment trends, and rising per student costs. Creve Coeur’s Proposition G seeks general obligation bonds for a new government center, and we break down what voters are authorizing and how the city frames the impact. Subscribe, share this with a neighbor, and leave a review with the question you want us to tackle next. West Newsmagazine Facebook | Instagram
Sep 24

Debating License Plate Readers

Debating license plate readers (like Flock Cameras) and the battle over the new congressional maps. West Newsmagazine Facebook | Instagram
Sep 10

Youth Sports Tourism Boom

Youth sports looks wholesome from the bleachers, but follow the minivans and you’ll find a serious economic engine. We sit down with O’Fallon Economic Development Director Patrick McKeehan, along with our own Dan Fox and reporter Elizabeth Carreno, to unpack the race to attract youth sports dollars across the St. Louis region. Chesterfield’s surge and O’Fallon’s investments show how sports tourism has shifted from a local amenity to a strategy that can reshape entire corridors. We also get honest about the tradeoffs: traffic spikes, crowded dining rooms, ongoing maintenance costs, and the tough planning questions around land use, infrastructure near major highways, and whether incentives like hotel-motel taxes or special taxing districts pay off over time. Plus, we look ahead at the trend lines, from pickleball and cricket to wiffle ball tournaments, and the creative reuse of struggling malls as next-generation sports hubs. If you enjoy smart local reporting and practical behind-the-scenes policy talk, subscribe, share this episode with a friend, and leave us a quick review. What’s the best or worst sports tourism experience you’ve had while traveling with a team? West Newsmagazine Facebook | Instagram
Aug 6

Election Results Reaction

Tim Weber and Dan discuss the recent election results, highlighting the overwhelming rejection of Amendments 4 and 5 in Missouri, with Amendment 5 losing 83-16 and Amendment 4 losing 80-20. They note the failure of a tax increase for seniors and the passage of a parks tax renewal. Wesley Bell defeated Corey Bush, and Jake Zimmerman won the St. Louis County executive race. Steve Elman won his fifth term in St. Charles County. They also mention the failure of a use tax for St. Louis County and the consistent wins of Ann Wagner and other incumbents. West Newsmagazine Facebook | Instagram
Jul 21

Spared! West County Lanes Reopens at Last

West County Lanes in Ellisville reopened after an 18-month closure due to extensive repairs following a 2025 snowstorm. The family-owned business, established in 1961, faced engineering issues, insurance delays, and a need to update the electrical system from 1965. The repairs included reinforcing columns, pouring concrete, and installing steel plates. The bowling alley features 18-19 pinball machines, a renovated kitchen, and a new arcade. Despite challenges, the community's support was crucial. Future plans include hosting events and maintaining the bowling alley's community spirit. West Newsmagazine Facebook | Instagram
Jul 20

SNEAK PEAK: July 22, 2026 Issue

The West Newsmagazine Insider Podcast hosts Dan Fox and Laura Brown discussed the upcoming July 22 issue, highlighting business profiles and an election Q&A. They emphasized the importance of supporting local businesses and being informed voters. They also covered proposed ordinances on electronic bicycles and motorized vehicles in Baldwin and Town and Country, including helmet requirements and speed limits. Additionally, they discussed Ellisville's partnership with DHS for immigration status checks in severe crime cases. Lastly, they mentioned a Route 66 mural being painted on a water tower in Ellisville. West Newsmagazine Facebook | Instagram
Jul 6

Early Look - July 8, 2026 Issue

The podcast episode discusses various local and state issues. Laura Brown covers the Missouri data center debate, highlighting the Governor's forum, the approval of $15 billion and $10 billion hyperscale data centers in Montgomery County, and the need for state regulations. Theo Cory explains Amendment One, which renews a 1/10 of 1% sales tax for parks and conservation, and Amendment Four, which would make it harder for initiative petitions to pass. Dan Fox mentions the Old House at Hog Hollow's proposal to extend operating hours and a teen-led traffic safety presentation at the St. Charles County Library. West Newsmagazine Facebook | Instagram

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Roundup of local news and events in West Saint Louis County.

Creator

West Newsmagazine
Years Active

2024 - 2026
Episodes

73
Rating

Clean
Copyright

© 2026 West Media Inc.
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